Equipped for every good work

“That the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.” (2 Tim. 3:17 ESV)

We are here for a specific purpose 

Acts, chapter 17, verses 26-27, tells us that we are all born at God’s chosen time in history, at exactly the right place, for a very specific purpose; which is to find Him. The passage also says that He is already very close to each one of us, right where we live! This is wonderful news! It means that, as His servants, we can each help others around us reach out and find Him, too. How do you do this? It’s not difficult. Just pay attention to what’s happening to those around you, pray for them, ask God to help you help them and then take advantage of opportunities to share Christ as God leads you in each situation. It’s like one beggar, showing another beggar, where to find free bread. 

“And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us…” (Acts 17:26-27 ESV)

Always be prepared to give a reason for the hope that is in you

“But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect…” (1 Peter 3:15 ESV)

Use your gift to serve one another

“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace…” (1 Peter 4:10 ESV) 

Therefore…

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Eph. 2:10 NIV)

“Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel…” (Phil. 1:27 ESV)